Ethan was diagnosed with cancer on March 6, 2024, at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. For three weeks leading up to his diagnosis, Ethan had been more tired than usual, taking longer naps and feeling unwell. After multiple visits to the doctor with no answers, his parents requested blood work. Within hours of the results, the doctor called, and Ethan was admitted to the hospital that same day.
Since his diagnosis, Ethan has faced several spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, and both oral and infusion chemotherapy treatments. His treatment will continue for the next 2-3 years. While Ethan remains strong, his cancer has brought significant changes to his family’s life. His other mom has put her law practice on hold to care for him full-time. Their home has become a clean, controlled environment to protect Ethan’s health—shoes are left at the door, hands are washed upon entering, and all food preparation is done with extra care. His sister has had to adapt too, as friends can no longer come over to play.
Ethan’s love for cars, trains, and trucks has filled their house, transforming it into his indoor playground. While he can no longer play outside or visit Disneyland, he finds joy in imaginative play at home. His sweet, loving personality shines through, even though he doesn’t fully understand why he’s sick or why he can’t return to preschool.
Despite the challenges, Ethan has been a trooper through this journey. He often asks whether appointments will allow him to have dinner at home or at the hospital, celebrating the shorter visits. When hospitalized, he asks, “How many sleeps?” to count the days until he can go home. His resilience and humor shine, like the time he told the nurses they had “three minutes” to insert his NG tube—and they succeeded in record time.
Ethan truly is the sweetest boy you’ll ever meet, a brave and loving fighter who faces every challenge with strength and heart.
Hope session by Sahar Mace Photography | Facebook | Instagram